Home Selling Tips

It's a big step to sell your house. We have the experience to successfully walk you through the process. Take a look at some of the tips below and start making your plans to sell your home!

Fourteen basic home selling tips:

There are some simple steps to increase the value and appeal of your home. Always use reputable home repair professionals. Ask us for the names of reliable contractors.

1. First Impressions Count

When a perspective home buyer comes to your home, what do they see first? Do you have a well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free entrance to welcome them? Little things like a freshly painted – or at least freshly scrubbed – front door. Rake the leaves if it's Autumn. If it’s winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.

2. A Little Investment Can Reap Large Rewards

Sometimes we get used to how our home looks as we pass through it each day. Stop and take a good look at your house, as if you are seeing it for the first time. A little paint can totally make a room more appealing. Clean up the kitchen, scrub the bathrooms, and clean and organize the basement. You should show the homebuyer how the house looks, not how it COULD look. If you are pressed for time or not too handy, call in a service professional.

3. Make your Kitchen Sparkle

Remove clutter from counter-tops, put away small appliances, clean sinks, oven and stove.

4. Make Your Bathroom Sparkle

Everyone loves a clean bathroom and this is what makes or breaks a lot of sales. Sanitize your bathroom and make it look attractive by putting out your best towels, shower curtain and rugs.

5. Plumbing and Lighting

A dripping faucet or a burned out light bulb can turn off a home buyer because it shows that the home has not been cared for properly. Get all the little nuisances fixed up and working right!

6. Don't Make Excuses

It's better to fix something ahead of time than to try and explain to a home buyer why it doesn't work. Take the time to repair the little things that take a little effort now instead of a lot of explaining later.

7. Think Safety

You may know where all the pitfalls are in your house, but an unwary visitor might get hurt. Make sure the clutter is off the stairs, the handrails are tight and smoke detectors are working.

8. More Storage Space

Most home buyers are looking for more living space and more storage space. Make sure that your basement, attic, closets and garage are clean and clear of clutter. You'll be amazed at how much larger and inviting they will look.

9. Beautiful Bedrooms

People love large, airy bedrooms. Remove cluttering furniture to make the room look larger.

10. Let The Light In

A bright, cheery house sells faster than a dismal, dark one. Open the curtains and wash the windows to let all the sunshine in!

11. Night Lights

A well-lit house at night is much more inviting and warm-looking. Turn on all your lights, inside and outside, when a home-buyer is coming for a night visit.

12. Pet Patrol

While most people like pets, they can sometimes get in the way or demand too much attention from a potential buyer. Keep your dogs and cats contained or out in the yard when people stop by. And be sure to clean up after them in both the house and yard!

13. Quiet Zone

Loud music or TVs can make it very distracting for home buyers, especially if they are trying to talk. Keep the volumes down or even play some soft "home-buying" music in the background.

14. Showings

Turn all lights on, keep temperature comfortable between 68-72 degrees and use air fresheners and scented candles to create an inviting environment that smells delightful!